Macclesfield FC have appealed to residents to keep away from their ground following a fire at the venue. The National League club confirmed a suspected arson attack had taken place at their home stadium. The blaze is believed to have been started late yesterday evening or during the early hours of this morning. The club has also stated that no casualties or injuries have been recorded as a consequence of the incident.

The extent of the damage caused by the fire is currently uncertain. The club has confirmed that emergency services are conducting an investigation into what happened. A club statement read: "Macclesfield FC are aware of a suspected arson attempt at the Leasing.com Stadium in the late hours of yesterday evening/early hours of this morning.

"Emergency services have responded immediately and are on site tackling the blaze in the affected areas. Despite understandable concern, we urge everyone to please avoid the area. Anyone nearby to keep windows shut and not to approach the stadium or disrupt the progress of the emergency services.

"We would like to reassure everyone that the situation is under control. There are no casualties and investigations are already underway in to the cause of the fire.

"We would like to thank everyone for their concern and the timely response of those who alerted emergency services so quickly. Macclesfield FC will be making no further comment at this stage whilst the investigation develops."

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It has been fewer than two weeks since Macclesfield last played at their home venue. They suffered a 4-1 defeat at home against Fylde on February 24 in a fixture which drew 2,790 spectators.

On February 16, they welcomed Premier League outfit Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup. They gave Keith Andrews' team a stern test before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Sam Heathcote own goal.

The club had been in talks with foreign groups about potential investment, following their rise up the divisions in recent years.

Chairman and co-owner Rob Smethurst told CityAM: "We're in talks very recently. I can't disclose that yet, but we've got the potential of a very, very big opportunity that we're now looking at.

"The next 30 days, fingers crossed, if that does come off, then we'll be in an unbelievable position. They're huge organisations. They could buy Premier League clubs. We're in talks with two. They're actually foreign investors. But that's all I can say."

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